Nonprofit Spotlight: Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition

We're turning our attention to eco-friendly travel this month at All Shades. And what's a more environmentally savvy way to travel around town than on a bike? It takes a little more effort, but the payoff is huge. By opting for two versus four wheels, you opt for health, activity, and being able to look around and interact with your neighborhood. 

As for facts and figures, here's what you opt out of by cycling according to

California Bike Commute:

*12 bikes can fit in one vehicle parking space.
*More than half of Americans live only five miles from their place of work [even though it doesn't seem like it].
*100 bikes can be produced using the energy to make just 1 car.
*Driving consumes 43% of the barrels of oil Americans use every day [that's a little under half of 17 million].

And, from the EPA:

*U.S. transportation in 2006 accounted for 29% of its total greenhouse gas emissions. Cycling produces zero pollution!

And according to GOOD, it only takes 16 burgers (we're hoping tempeh burgers) to fuel you to go 350 miles on a bike while a sedan takes 13 gallons of black gold. Now that's fuel efficiency.

All that to say, if you're convinced and are looking for a bike resource in L.A. County, enter the Los Angeles County Bicycle  Coalition. It's a nonprofit driven by membership that works to make L.A. more bike-friendly for everybody.

And it's got a lot of ways for you to hop on and get involved.

Here are two:

The 9th Annual Los Angeles River Ride

This weekend, Sunday June 7th

@ The Autry Center in Griffith Park

There will be six rides to choose from 10 miles to 100 

(and one for tykes on bikes, too!)

Music, Rest Stops, and Eco-Fun

Register online here

Car Free Fridays

Bike commutes the last Friday of every month

Plus, the LACB site has links to all kinds of great resources (tips, safety information, bike shops and more) like this Bicycling Street Smarts Guide. 

Find out about membership and check out the calendar. 

And most importantly, don't forget your bike.

More Inspiration for Ditching the Car One Day a Week

Here's a reflection from the Introduction to Sustainable Living Workshop last Saturday with sustainability coach (among other things!), Deborah.

In line with our earlier resolution to cut back on the car and the L.A. bike resources we listed, here's an inspiring snippet from what happened last weekend:

"At last Saturday's workshop, we had a great discussion about all the ways that sustainable living feeds our personal well-being. We also talked about looking for ways to support our green efforts by "letting go" of more, rather than trying to "do" more. For example, what if you simply let go of your reliance on your car one day per week? Despite the voices in your head that say "I could never do that!" "That's impossible"... I promise, it will actually enrich your life.

Make a commitment in 2009 to lessen your carbon imprint and simplify your life by letting go of driving at least one day per week. Walk, bike, carpool and use public transportation whenever possible. I promise that you will find that this enhances your experience of the city, lessens your stress level, and improves your physical well-being."

Check out Metro schedules at 800-266-6883 or www.CommuteSmart.info. 

For bike routes, visit: www.bikemetro.com.

If you are driving but want to carpool more days a week, catch a ride at ZIMRIDE or GoLoco!

We'll see you on the streets...